Volunteer Opportunities

Are you a life long learner? Do you enjoy working with the public? Would you like to make a contribution? If so, then why not become a Schingoethe Center Docent?

Museum docents are community members who serve on a volunteer basis and provide tours of the museum's collections to visiting groups of all ages, ranging from pre-schoolers to adults; tours most often involve elementary school age groups. The goal of the docent is to enrich the viewer's museum experience and engage their interest.

"Docent" comes from the Latin docere, meaning "to teach." Consequently, education and staying current in Native American history and contemporary issues are of primary importance. As a result, docents are given training (no experience necessary) and privileges to the Schingoethe Library. Docents are important members of the museum and bring to their role a deep interest in Native American history and culture and a desire to share that knowledge with others.

The Schingoethe Center realizes that the commitment to be a docent is a gift of time and energy on the part of the volunteers. This is why docents get to choose when they would like to assist. Tours are scheduled only on Tuesday-Friday morning.

If you are interested in the becoming a docent, please contact Meg Bero, Executive Director at 630-844-7844

DOCENT BENEFITS

Schingoethe Center Library privileges

Behind the scene access and previews to new exhibits

Connect with others who share an interest in Native American history and culture

A Tribute: Docent, Val Rennie

The museum lost a dear friend on July 8, 2012. Val Rennie began her volunteer work as a docent at the Schingoethe Center in 1995. She was a natural teacher and delighted in sharing her passion for Native American history and art and her respect for Native peoples with our visitors. She will be missed but her contribution is lasting.